Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1887-08-30
NEW SERIES, VOL. xxi. NO. 81.

hands, looked up WIN smillng audac1ty, say
ingi YOU'D better let me stay awhile, uncle !;
you'd be great deal more comfortable"
There was deep anxiety beneath the merry
exterior, for she knew wei how vital her un-
cle's favor was. Her mother w5s too delicate,
her sisters too fine ladies to work, and the child
(she was not much more, in spite of tef seven
teen years. felt as though the burden of the
family rested on her shoulders.
Her uncle was very wealthy. and If he only
could be brought to forgive her mother, what
happy days they would seel
He had sent once for her two sisters 10 spend
a week ut Glenside-a step toward reconcilia-
ton, which her mother had hailed with thank
full joy. But before the week was out he sent
them both home, saying he couldn't stand their
fine airs, that, since his sister had chosen to
bring up her family to such idle habits, he
would have nothing more to do with them.
The one longing of the old mans heart had
been for n son to bear his name. That hope
Disappointed in the early. death of his son, he
had gradually grown into the selfish. gloomy
man Jack found him this fair spring morning.
There was something in her bright, boyish
face that fascinated him; and now, with a
warmth that surprised himself, he said: ''Stay
If you like, my child. It's dull place within
doors, but there are flowers and sunshine"
1t was so much kinder than Jack had dared
hope that she could have cried for joy.
"Oh. you dear uncie!'' she said, and kissed
his wrinkIed old face with an honest heartiness
that he was quick to feel.
There, then," he said impatiently, as If
ashamed of the tnwonted softuesS he had
shown. $50 and tell cook that you're going
to stay, and that she must give you room and
see to your meals. Do not be afraid If she's
cross, he added, somewhat anxiously; "she
does not like trouble or work"
81 won't" said Jack, as she ran off.
Half an hour later she looked in the door
again, saying: "Come to lunch, Uncle Robert.
Yes" Gas he stared at her in amazement,) 81
: know cook always brought you just what she
liked up here because she did not want you
down stairs. There has been a skirmish, but
it's all right now. Come for my sake, please
Mr.. Doran drew his dressing gown moro
closely around him, and followed Jack down
into the small breakfast room, which she had
chosen because it was so MUCH pleasanter than
the great oak wainscoated dining.room.
A most tempting lunch was spread upon the
ronnd table, and flowers were intermingled with
the dishes in profusion. It was pretty to see
the air with which she led her uncle to his
place, then took her own opposite him. almost
forgetting-in her eagernes to serve him-to
satisfy the demands of her own healthy appetite.
did cook do all this ?" Mr. Doran asked.
with some curiosity.
"No," replied Jack, blnshing. "she wanted
to take you up some smoky soup, and because
said no, she wouldn't do anything else, so ]
did it myself Don't you like it all ?" and she
looked anxiously at him.
"YOu are not like your sisters he said, not
, replying TO her question.
"oh, mol" and jack shook her head some.
what deiectedly. They are very accom-,
plished-real young ladies. you know. But,
then, can cook and sweep, and do things thai
they can't"
But do not want cook and a house
maid." said Mr.. Doran.
a. think you do" laughed Jack "If you
had only tasted the soupl"
:" "Child!" cried Mr.. Doran. suddenly CATCH
ing at her hand. I'm a disappointed. heart
broken old man. If you could only love me n
little"-
al do, Uncle Robert; do, truIyl" said
Jack.
And she meant It, for her warm heart had
gone ont at once to the lonely old man, so un-
happy in the midst of his wealth, and she com
forted him now, in the best way she knew, with
loving words that, skeptic rs he was, he felt
were honest and true.
81 fear master be a-goin' TO die; he wor
never so gentle afore." said cook, week later
That very night Mr.. Doran was taken sud-
denly and violently Ill. Jack heard his groans.
and, hastening to his assistance, found him
suffering intensely.
" You must go4or the doctor, cook there's
y" ono else to CO." said Jack
Indeed I'll not" replied cook decisiTeIy.-
Hes been none SO good a master to me that
! should risk myself in the dark for him."
"Then watch him while CO." impIored
. Jack. "Do not leave him or he'll die"
, She had been down to the village once on an
) Grand for her uncle, and knew she could find
her way, but 1t SO different now at night.
Brave Jack for going! But how her heart Hut-
tered aud her limbs quivered with fear, as she
hastcned on through the starlight.
The way seemed intermnablc, but at last the
lights which yet burned in the village shOne
out close at hand, and one part of her journey
was over.
Chesney was one of the most unfortunate
villages, with houses so painfully similar, that
a stranger might well wonder how each
inhabitant knew his own home. Little won
der. then, that Jack. after much uncertain
pausing before various doors, should at last
decide upon the wrong one.
She raped gently. then listened. A football
sounded on the pavement, n hand was on the
gate, aud-yes-the steps were coming toward
her, swiftly, certainly.
She drew herself close to the side of the
porch, almost faiuting with terror, when a
: hand outstretched touched her arm. and a
voice exclaimed, who are you7 Speak! Who
comes so late to my door7"
Gathering her courage with one last effort,
! Jack family replied "a 1 want DIR. Robbins
Ny uncle Doran is very i'll at Glenside."
And have you come alone from Glenside,
poor child ?" the voice inquired.
Eyes. sir, !" she said, impatientIy. "But you
are the doctor! VIII you hurry7 Uncle may
be dying now, have been 90 long in coming
The poor girl had hurried till she was almost
exhausted, and stood leaning, breathless and
painting. against the door.
"The doctor lives two houses beyond. Shall
/ go with you and call him?F
But there was no response. for poor Jack,
who had never in her life done anything 50
Womanish, tainted quietly away
She was only dirnly coucious of being lifted
in strong aT1Ds that held her close, and of be-
ing rapidly driven over n rough road, and al
last finding herself lying on her own bed nj